Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape Photography Locations => Topic started by: armand on January 19, 2019, 03:10:10 pm

Title: Southern California locations
Post by: armand on January 19, 2019, 03:10:10 pm
I'll be in San Diego in the second half of February for few days then plan to drive towards Las Vegas, total time for driving is about 1 week.
I'm interested in some hiking and it would be nice if the areas are good for photography too. Mostly day hikes, I'm not sure I want to complicate stuff with overnight camping.

I was hopeful to get some wildflowers in Anza Borrego but it seems 20th of February is probably too early. Plan to go in the Tahquitz area too.
Joshua Tree was the main objective, with the current developments I'm not so sure anymore.
Other options is to go towards the Sequoia National Forest, and maybe Death Valley. I ruled out going up towards Mt Whitney.
I would rather drive less and hike and take photos more.

Any other suggestions, particularly for that time of the year? Thanks
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: Telecaster on January 19, 2019, 04:35:24 pm
Check out Torrey Pines (the Reserve, not the golf course). When I lived in CA I liked exploring in that region, especially during weekend winter visits when it was chillier up where I was.

-Dave-
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: HSakols on January 20, 2019, 08:38:16 am
Quote
I was hopeful to get some wildflowers in Anza Borrego but it seems 20th of February is probably too early.

This could be a perfect time to go to Aza Borrego.  Yes it is early for the cactus blooms but other flowers can be exploding at that time.  It is different every year. 

This would also be a nice time to drive down the Big Sur Coast.  In Carmel there is Point Lobos which I never get tired of. 

Have Fun!
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: BradSmith on January 20, 2019, 02:06:05 pm
You can find wildflowers close to San Diego on your way to Anza.  Here are two from Pauma Valley (where I live) which peaks between late Feb and early April.  This location is also close to Mt Palomar Observatory and is on the way to Anza.  Sequoia is on the west of the Sierras and there's no way over them in the winter to reach Death Valley and Vegas, so it would involve a long backtrack.  Based on what you've said, here are a couple routes worth considering:

San Diego...Torrey Pines..Pauma Valley...Anza....Palm Springs area....Joshua Tree...Kelso Dunes....Vegas
or same route, until Joshua Tree, then Mt Whitney & Alabama Hills.....Death Valley....Vegas.   This is the route I'd take because the eastern side of the Sierras are fantastic and about as close as anything to Death Valley. 

If you decide to include Pauma Valley, let me know in advance and I can show you where these photos were taken.
Brad Smith
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: armand on January 20, 2019, 03:35:49 pm
Thank for the replies.

Big Sur is too far, could have been if I chose to go the San Francisco instead of Las Vegas, for sure next time when I get around San Francisco.

Mt Whitney was initially on the list but there is no way we can hike anywhere close to the top, a combination of skills, weather and equipment, and I don't want to go there just to look at it. Heading towards it though and the crossing the Sierra towards Death Valley remains an option, the longer drive though.

The southern route that you mentioned remains the most appealing. I have to decide it it's worth camping, maybe in the Mojave area. My guess is that I'll have to carry tons of water.



Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: drmike on January 21, 2019, 04:53:27 am
Cor, am I glad you asked as I am doing something similar in April and the suggestions here are helpful.
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: sbay on January 21, 2019, 01:13:33 pm
Re Anza borrego -- follow the local wildflower reports such as https://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/reports/current.htm . It looks like there's already some blooming.

There's also some nice hiking in the Mt Laguna / Lake Cuyamaca areas (about 1hr east of San Diego city).
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: armand on January 21, 2019, 01:49:55 pm
Cor, am I glad you asked as I am doing something similar in April and the suggestions here are helpful.

I’ll probably be there first week of April too for spring break  ;D
Title: Re: Southern California locations
Post by: armand on January 21, 2019, 01:53:24 pm
Re Anza borrego -- follow the local wildflower reports such as https://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/reports/current.htm . It looks like there's already some blooming.

There's also some nice hiking in the Mt Laguna / Lake Cuyamaca areas (about 1hr east of San Diego city).

Thank you, I’ll add it to the list.